Since 1970, North America has lost nearly 3 billion birds. 3 billion!! This is a problem because birds do so many important things – they eat pests, pollinate plants, disperse seeds, and protect ecosystems. They’re also direct descendants of the dinosaurs–they are living proof of life’s resilience and if they are dying in droves, it really doesn’t bode well for the rest of us. So let’s talk about some simple things you can do to help our feathered friends.This episode sponsored by: NextEVO – Use promo code BETTER to save 20% off your order of $40 or moreAirDoctor – Use promo code BETTER to save up to 39% or $300 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Jodi Helmer, it all started by adopting a rescue dog. That led to fostering other dogs in order to help them get adopted. That led to a move to the country in order to have more space. That led to taking in one very naughty donkey who was running out of a time at a kill shelter. And now, Jodi and her husband Jerry are caring for 48 rescued animals and are running a non-profit animal sanctuary.In honor of animal week, I interviewed Jodi about what rescuing animals has taught her about herself and life in general, why animal sanctuaries are so incredibly needed, and how you can support this important work without opening your home to 48 animals.Naughty Donkey Farm Sanctuary websiteNaughty Donkey Farm Sanctuary InstagramNaughty Donkey Farm Sanctuary Facebook pageJodi's books on gardening, farming, and living greenThis episode sponsored by: NextEVO – Use promo code BETTER to save 20% off your order of $40 or moreAirDoctor – Use promo code BETTER to save up to 39% or $300 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why am I talking about animals on a show about being a better person? Animals can really bring out our better instincts and give us an opportunity to get out of our own heads, thinking about our own problems. Plus, they're cute. I originally aired this episode in late winter, thinking it was the perfect time for a little cute infusion when our spirits could go for some lifting. But now that we’re experiencing the hottest summer on record, I think it’s a great opportunity for a re-listen!This episode sponsored by: NextEVO – Use promo code BETTER to save 20% off your order of $40 or moreAirDoctor – Use promo code BETTER to save up to 39% or $300 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We can’t talk about how to get better and making more of your own food without also talking about getting better about grocery shopping. After all, you can’t cook what you don’t have.This episode sponsored by: NextEVO – Use promo code BETTER to save 20% off your order of $40 or more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who embrace leftovers, and those who turn their nose up at them. By the end of this episode, I hope you’ll be firmly in the embrace ‘em camp, if you’re not there already.This episode sponsored by: NextEVO – Use promo code BETTER to save 20% off your order of $40 or more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While you definitely don’t need any formal training to be a great home cook, having a couple of techniques up your sleeve can make things a lot easier. So today I’m sharing three cooking strategies that, over the years, have saved me weeks of time. I did learn them from a pro, but not in a class or culinary school.This episode sponsored by: NextEVO – Use promo code BETTER to save 20% off your order of $40 or more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let’s face it: Adulting can be a real slog. The list of things to do and take care of can feel relentless. However, that does not mean that doing the things you need to do has to be boring, or tedious. You CAN use fun to goad yourself into doing those things you have to do, and enjoy yourself while you’re doing itThis episode sponsored by: NextEVO – Use promo code BETTER to save 20% off your order of $40 or moreAqua Tru – Use promo code BETTER to save 20% off any water purifier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In order to invite more fun into your life, it helps to give some thought to what you consider to be fun, and what you’ve been doing for fun lately, and objectively assess whether you might need to prioritize fun a little more. I think of it as doing a fun inventory. That may sound like a clinical approach to playfulness, but what you inspect, you respect.C’mon, it’ll be fun!This episode sponsored by: NextEVO – Use promo code BETTER to save 20% off your order of $40 or moreAqua Tru – Use promo code BETTER to save 20% off any water purifier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you want something in your life to change, you’re craving more meaning, a great place to start is by looking at fun. I get that fun can feel frivolous, and that it’s easy to think that we should wait until things calm down before we even consider doing something just for the fun of it. But fun is not just enjoyable, but also it’s vital to our wellbeing and even to our very purpose for being on this planet in this body at this juncture in time. Woah.This episode sponsored by: NextEVO – Use promo code BETTER to save 20% off your order of $40 or moreAqua Tru – Use promo code BETTER to save 20% off any water purifier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn about the convenience and nutritional benefits of parfaits as grab-and-go breakfast options. Discover how to make delicious parfaits without excessive sugar. Get tips for creating a healthier parfait, exploring alternatives to pre-sweetened yogurt, and perfecting the parfait breakfast experience with convenient tips and creative layering techniques.